Help getting a value on a Colt Python.

Hi, great forum you have here! Cutting to the chase, My grandpa gave me a Colt Python to sell for him. (He's getting up in age, and requires home health and the expense is massive.) Anyway It's still in the original box, with a blued finish, 6 inch barrel. The model number on the box says I3660 and the serial number starts with a 5xxxxE. He told me this has never been fired by him and he is the original owner. It still has a yellow tag on the trigger guard. Any help would be greatly appreciated or any links to sites to find a value would work as well

Thanks!

If you enjoyed reading about "Help getting a value on a Colt Python." here in TheHighRoad.org archive, you'll LOVE our community. Come join TheHighRoad.org today for the full version!

johnny blaze

July 26, 2006, 03:31 PM

With the price of Colts going up, it is really hard to say.
If it has no rust or marks on it, and it has never been fired (except at the factory), it would bring around 900.00 to 1300.00 in most circles. The price difference varies from area to area and timing, etc.
You can look up the prices in the different value guides, but they are already out of date as far as the values of colts.
Hope this helps.

dfariswheel

July 26, 2006, 03:55 PM

5xxxxE was made in 1977.

The earlier the Python, the more they bring today, especially now that all Colt prices are skyrocketing.
For a genuine new-in-the-box 1977 Python, it would bring prices at the top of the price range.

You'd almost certainly get more for it on a internet gun auction like Gun Broker.
You'll usually get less selling it at a gun show and especially to a gun shop.

You might advertise it on the "For Sale" areas of some of the gun forums.

To do some price checking, look at these sites:
http://www.auctionarms.com/search/search.aspx

http://www.gunbroker.com/

http://www.gunsamerica.com/

To get actual values, do searches for guns that have been sold.

22-rimfire

July 26, 2006, 06:22 PM

If you sell online and the transfer is out of state, you will need to set things up with a local FFL dealer (gun shop) to handle the transfer as the gun would be shipped to another dealer.

What state are you in? Some states require all handguns to be transferred through a dealer even for instate sales. PA comes to mind.

You could always sell it at a local gun shop on consignment. That would certainly be the easiest approach, but you won't make as much on the sale.

Another approach is to list it for sale at the Coltforum.com web site. Lots of people looking for a nice Python. You still would have to do the dealer transfer unless it is in-state and permissible under your state laws.

You should be able to get a pretty reasonable estimate of value from the auction sites. Look at the condition carefully. If it is unfired with no wear anywhere, it will sell for more. The box and paper work are important assets too.

Ohen Cepel

July 26, 2006, 06:31 PM

If it's NIB then I think $1200 or so would be about right, maybe more.

Lightly used ones often go for $1k in this area with no extras.

Bobhwry

July 26, 2006, 07:15 PM

Look on gunbroker and look at closed auctions.It'll give you an idea of what their selling for. Based on my reaearch a really nice one will go for about $1200.

tgooding

July 27, 2006, 03:00 AM

Thanks for all the replies, it has helped alot. And also thanks for the information on the sale of the revolver. I am a police officer in Kentucky and am very familiar with the laws pertaining to this matter (I should be) But was confused on the out of state sales.

I looked at the gun closely again. The cylinder doesn't look like it's had a bullet put in it, and the barrel is super clean with no signs of residue. I looked at the hammer and it seems to not have and marks or residue either. However there is small marks on the cylinder where it has been cycled (?) but it's almost unnoticeable.

To think, my grandpa wanted to get rid of it WAY to cheap. I'm glad I found you this forum and all the people who educated me.

Monkeyleg

July 27, 2006, 05:21 PM

There have been people paying a lot of money for Pythons in the condition you describe (new in box with papers).

I've seen a couple go for $1600.

It's not hard to sell on Gunbroker if you're willing to take some detail photos of any blemishes on the gun, and send them to whoever asks for them.

For the auction itself, set a reserve that you're comfortable with. With folks here having said that $1200 would be a reasonable price, maybe put your reserve at $1000.

Put a low starting price on it. Maybe $100.

From my experience with watching auctions, you'll do better late in the year, or even in January.

Make sure you have very good quality photographs, too. The ones taken with an on-camera flash look horrible, and they will affect the bids you get.

slick6

July 27, 2006, 07:42 PM

I found a virtually new looking(2.5-inch)blue Python today that appeared to be unfired! However, although there is a box with this Python, it is not the correct box for this 1979 vintage Python-as it is a later Model blue plastic box! No original papers with this revolver either! This Python would be 100%(Aside from not having the box and papers!)except for one approximately/ 1/2" to 5/8" narrow rub mark, on the left upper edge of the dull black(Or, blue?)barrel rib! There are no marks extending into the highly polished bluing anywhere! And, there is absolutely no cylinder turn ring at all on this Python!

Now, to the value? This Python is in an upscale gunsmithing shop! The price is listed as $1,200! Although I know that Python prices have been skyrocketing, doesn't this price still seem to be too high-or, not? It seems that this 1979 vintage Python shouldn't exceed $1,000-since there is no original box and papers and with the slight rub mark on the barrel rib? This would seem to be true, even taking into account this gunsmithing shop, adding in a 10% premium calling this Python as being in NIB condition(Despite having no box)? I don't want to lose this Python if it truly is worth this much under these stated conditions-however, I want to pass, if this price is considered to be a rip-off? So please give your opinions as to whether I should buy this Python-or, to pass on it? Please comment-as I have only until this gunsmithing shop opens their store at Noon tomorrow(Wednesday 7/28/06)!

Standing Wolf

July 27, 2006, 09:04 PM

I don't want to lose this Python if it truly is worth this much under these stated conditions-however, I want to pass, if this price is considered to be a rip-off?

I bought a slightly newer blued Python with a 2.5-inch barrel, either unfired or fired only a few times, without the original box, for $850 a year ago.

The way to buy Pythons is to check the auction sites on a regular and frequent basis, and resolve never to bid a dime more than you're willing to pay.

slick6

July 27, 2006, 10:23 PM

Since I'm in **********, the only way that I can buy a Python, is through what is called a private party transfer or otherwise a consignment gun at a gun shop! We cannot import guns into ********** from outside of this State, period! So gun auctions are out of the question, unfortunately!:banghead: :banghead: :cuss: :confused:

BluesBear

July 27, 2006, 11:26 PM

And, there is absolutely no cylinder turn ring at all on this Python!
Don't forget that a pre MkIII Colt is are different from a S&W or a Ruger.
The cylinder ring on a Colt comes from closing the cylinder and manually rotating the cylinder into position.
You won't get one from firing or dry-firing.
If you're careful you can shoot a pre=MkIII Colt a lot and not get a ring.

slick6

July 28, 2006, 12:07 AM

1)Yes, I had overlooked that fact about no cylinder ring showing on a pre-Mark III Colt!

2)I'm still hoping to get some more comments regarding the $1,200 price for the 2.5" Python I'm considering(Before my time is up at High Noon tomorrow!)as to whether or not I should pass or to buy at this seemingly, high price? As I said, the issue is only whether this price is in line or out of line, for an 1979 vintage Python, in this 2.5" barrel length(Without box and papers!)?:uhoh: :eek: :confused:

BluesBear

July 28, 2006, 12:39 AM

Personally, I consider that to be a little high.
But I haven't seen a 2½" in that condition for sale in my area for years.

Personally I consider mid to late 70s Pythons to be really great guns.
No they're not 1955-70 finish quality but they're still great.

If I wanted it and had the money I'd buy it for that price.
But I'd do my best to get the price down to an even grand.

My main consideration would be the chance of ever finding another one, in that condition at that price.

slick6

July 28, 2006, 12:59 AM

Well, if this was a longer barrel length than 2.5-inches-then, I wouldn't be convinced to pay $1,200! And, I'm still undecide-even for the 2.5" barrel length, to have to pay this price? Of course, I would like to own a nice(As close to new as possible!)2.5 -inch Python, this this particular one is-but, the price would look a whole lot better to me, if there were the original box and papers with it? I just wonder(On the average?)just how many people out there, would pay the $1,200 for a 2.5-inch python like this in near mint condition, with the exception being that small 1/2" to 5/8" narrow rub mark on the left top edge of the frame(Or, barrel rib?)in the dull bluing(But not into the highly polished bluing!)that shows just enough through the finish to show bare metal like about 1/64"(Or less)wide? Although minor, I'm uncertain, as to how much this mark could actually affect the value of this Python(If at all?)? Although I'm having a hard time trying to make up my mind to buy(Or, to pass?)I gotta come up with a decision on this matter soon? :eek: :confused:

Standing Wolf

July 28, 2006, 08:02 PM

We cannot import guns into ********** from outside of this State, period! So gun auctions are out of the question, unfortunately!

One of the main reasons I left the People's Republic of California in 2002 was that I bought an eight-inch blued Python from a fellow in Nebraska, only to discover I couldn't so-called "import" it into the PRC.

Gun auctions aren't out of the question if you enter bids only in auctions posted by people already in the PRC. Not much of a solution, to be sure.

winslow

August 6, 2006, 08:11 PM

have you decided to sell this gun? email me if you still want to sell dg95@optonline.net

XavierBreath

August 6, 2006, 08:41 PM

tgooding,
First, a true NIB 6 inch Python should bring $1200-1500 depending on the buyer's motivation and the seller's ability to hold off dropping the price.

I'll cut to the chaste too. Home health care costs are massive. Even if you could get $2000 for the Python, the money would be gone very very fast, probably quicker than the time it took to sell the gun. Grandpa should qualify for Medicare if he is 65 yo or disabled. Medicare pays 100% of home health care costs ordered by a MD if three criteria are met. Those criteria are:
The patient must be under the care of a physician.
The patient must have a need requiring the intermittant skills of a nurse or therapist.
The patient must be "homebound". Homebound consists of not leaving the home frequently except for medical type needs.

Many physicians either do not know about home care, or simply do not want the added paperwork to sign in their office. If your grandpa meets these criteria, and his physician is saying he cannot get home care services, you may want to ask the doctor why, and consider changing physicians. To know for sure, often the best thing to do is simply contact a home care provider. Many will send an RN to your home at your request, talk to you and Grandpa and evaluate him for the service. This is at no cost to you. If he qualifies, they will then help you make it happen for him. How do I know this? I do it for a living. If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me a PM.

The money that Python would bring will be spent quickly. It sure would be nice to keep that Python. There is a fair chance you can, and still get the service Grandpa needs.

vynx

August 6, 2006, 08:50 PM

Uh..just to clarify you CAN buy longguns out of state and have them sent to an FFL in California IF they are allowed here - same with handguns IF they are the approved DOJ llist they can be sent o a California FFL for transfer - unfortunately no one gets a model not being made certified so the only way to get a python is Face to Face in California. As I understand it, if it is not on the list you cannot even send it to an FFL within California!

Back to Pythons, I have read that the 2.5" models are more rare thus more valuable ... I wouldn't pay $1200 if I thought I would ever want to get that money back (not an investment)...it may be overpriced but you may not find another 2.5" in that condition so you have to choose how badly do you want one?

I recently purchased a 1976 python, 6'barrel for $750 but it was re-finished in satin nickel...not a collector but still a great handgun.

tgooding

October 3, 2007, 11:04 AM

Xavier, it's been over a year since I came to these forums. Simply due to losing the site and being busy helping my grandfather/ But I did take your advice. I decided to keep the gun, I think there is more enjoyment to be had from this fine piece of craftsmanship then the monetary value.

Thank you all again for the education you provided.

Trebor

October 3, 2007, 11:15 AM

I'm glad you listened to Xavier. Now whenever you shoot or just look at the gun you'll think of your grandfather. The money would be gone by now.

XavierBreath

October 3, 2007, 05:33 PM

I'm very glad to hear that! Taking care of a grandparent is truely a labor of love. I hope he has received the nursing care he deserves, Lord knows it looks like he is receiving the family care, which is often more important.

The Python he has passed on to you will become a family treasure. I would trade every gun I have, and I have a lot, to get back my father's gun that I felt I had to sell to keep our home whenI was 19 years old. I should have kept the gun and lost the home. One was replaceable, the other was not.

Black Knight

October 3, 2007, 06:17 PM

tgooding:
Glad to see you're keeping the Python. I'm all for keeping it in the family. Colts seem to make good family heirlooms. Imagine when you are able to give it to your son or grandson, the history the gun would have. Needless to say I'm very fond of Pythons (I have 2 of them). Good luck on everything else.

19-3Ben

October 3, 2007, 07:20 PM

tgooding-
I'm glad to hear you took Xavier's advice. It was very good advice.
It takes a lot to take care of an ailing grandparent. My family is going though the same right now.
Stay strong, and love that gun. It's a great gun.

tgooding

October 4, 2007, 04:09 AM

Thanks for the kind responses.. And your right, it will be something I intend to keep in my family for many many generations. I had shown it to my sons a few months ago and explained the history of it. The oldest told me he was glad I didn't sell it. ( He's 11) and that he'd like to give it to his grandkids one day.

On another note. My mother has bore the burden of taking care of my grandfather. I work weird shifts and help out when I can, but this one-of-a-kind lady is doing most all of it. And he is getting excellent care.. Good news is that we sold the gas(natural) rights off our farm this year and will be getting a few checks starting in January. Meaning his and my grandmother's care needs are taken care of for a couple of years..

Thanks so much again guys.. Your recommendations have kept me from making a terrible mistake.

If you enjoyed reading about "Help getting a value on a Colt Python." here in TheHighRoad.org archive, you'll LOVE our community. Come join TheHighRoad.org today for the full version!